Boost 800Hz and 3.5kHz for presence and clarity
Problem: weak mid-range, unclear high-end
Roll off low end on 1073 preamp for vocals
Problem: muddy vocal recordings
Dip around 300Hz on vocals for clarity
Problem: vocal masking in the mid-range
Apply basic plugin template early in vocal processing
Problem: vocal sounding disconnected from mix
Use DSA at the start of vocal chain to clean up signal
Problem: rough vocal edges, inconsistent dynamics
Use C4 for precise frequency sculpting
Problem: vocal inconsistency, lack of clarity
Boost top end, cut harsh notes, and add warmth with EQ
Problem: harsh or dull vocals
Use Soothe sparingly on lead vocals
Problem: artifacts on lead vocals
Mistake: Overusing distortion without balancing it with filtering
Problem: overly distorted vocals
Mistake: Over-focusing on minute EQ adjustments instead of the big picture
Problem: over-precise EQ adjustments, loss of creative flow
Mistake: Over-relying on boosting instead of ambient placement
Problem: cluttered mix, frequency masking
Apply high cut, distortion, and EQ to white noise for rumble
Problem: harsh, uncontrolled white noise
Cut low frequencies from rumble to layer with sine wave sub
Problem: muddy, overlapping low frequencies
Adjust cut point between sub and rumble for smooth blending
Problem: audible gaps between sub and rumble
Avoid excessive EQ layers for clarity
Problem: overprocessed, unclear sound
Boost second harmonic (G2) in key for tonal cohesion
Problem: disconnected, atonal low-end
Use a high-pass filter at 30Hz on the master track
Problem: unnecessary low-end frequencies affecting mastering
Apply a low-pass filter at 18kHz on the master track
Problem: unnecessary high-end frequencies affecting mastering
Boost mid-range frequencies (1000Hz) only as a last resort
Problem: lack of mid-range presence in the mix
Use surgical EQ for resonant or harsh frequencies
Problem: resonant or harsh frequencies in the master
Mistake: Boosting in the master instead of fixing the mix
Problem: over-processing in mastering due to mix issues
Use span plugin to analyze bass frequency range
Problem: muddy or unclear bass frequency range
Use dynamic EQ to target resonant frequencies
Problem: harsh frequencies, sibilance, resonant peaks
Use mid-side EQ to tighten low-end stereo imaging
Problem: phase issues in low end, poor mono compatibility
Avoid over-cutting in mid-side EQ for warmth preservation
Problem: over-cutting in mid-side EQ, loss of warmth
Enhance stereo width with mid-side EQ on high frequencies
Problem: narrow stereo imaging, lack of air
Cut 400Hz on synth to shape mid-range
Problem: muddy mid-range, unclear synth presence
Cut high frequencies on pluck to make it drier and use gate as atmosphere
Problem: muddiness from excessive high-end and reverb
Adjust oscillator pitch to avoid bass frequency clashes
Problem: frequency masking with bass
Use auto pan tremolo and EQ on vocal for width and presence
Problem: vocals too static or muddied in mix
Apply subtle EQ shaping for low-end clarity
Problem: muddy or undefined low-end
Use mid-side EQ to cut low frequencies in the sides only
Problem: bass sounds loose, low end is smeared
Apply a high shelf on the sides for stereo width
Problem: narrow stereo image
Avoid over-boosting high frequencies in the sides
Problem: harshness in high frequencies
Use dynamic EQ for controlled stereo width
Problem: harshness and lack of movement
Apply dynamic EQ in mid channel at 160Hz with fast release and slow attack
Problem: narrow mix, muddy low end
Dynamic processing in mid channel creates rhythmic low-end movement
Apply low-cut filtering to pads for clearer low-end definition
Problem: muddy low-end from pads
Cut low frequencies when achieving a square wave sub-bass vibe
Problem: muddy or undefined sub-bass
EQ controls frequency-specific volume
Problem: muddy or unclear frequency ranges
Start with an intent when using EQ
Problem: unfocused EQ adjustments
Use EQ after reverb to shape muddy or bright tones
Problem: muddy or unclear reverb tail
Use mid-side processing to enhance stereo width
Problem: narrow stereo image, lack of separation
Refine low end with volume, EQ, and transient shaping
Problem: muddy or lifeless low end
Boost 40-60Hz on kick for more low end
Problem: kick lacks low end, feels weak
Boost top end of kick if it feels dull
Problem: kick feels dull, lacks presence
Roll off highs on kick if it's too bright/clicky
Problem: kick has excessive high-end clickiness
Shelve low end of kick to hit VU target
Problem: kick peaks above VU target, needs loudness adjustment